International Journal of Scientific Study (IJSS): May, 2020

Superficial fungal infections are caused by dermatophytes, non-dermatophytic molds, and commensal yeasts. According to published literature, the global prevalence rate of superficial mycotic infection has been found to be 20–25%.

The recent prevalence of dermatophytosis in India ranges from 36.6 to 78.4%. Hot and humid climate in the tropical and subtropical countries like India makes dermatophytosis a very common superficial fungal infection.

Itraconazole is a triazole antifungal drug which is increasingly being used as a first‑line drug for dermatophytosis.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of itraconazole given 100 mg twice daily for the treatment of dermatophytosis.

Data analysis up to 4 weeks of treatment with itraconazole was considered for this study. 

TAKE HOME MESSAGE

On comparison of clinical cure rates in patients who received topical antifungal monotherapy (31%) and itraconazole cotherapy (70%), it was found that itraconazole cotherapy was better and the difference between the two therapies was statistically significant.

The results of thisanalysis suggest that itraconazole achieves clinical cure in much shorter duration. In our analysis, 70% of the patients achieved clinical cure within 4 weeks of itraconazole-based combination therapy

Conclusion:

From the findings of the present analysis, clinical cure rates obtained with itraconazole were more than satisfactory. Although the standard duration of therapy ranges from 1 to 2 weeks, long-term treatment is warranted and that is with topical antifungals and other supportive measures.